As one of Summit County’s must-visit attractions, the Akron Art Museum is home to a diverse art collection, impressive modern architecture, and unique educational programs for all ages. Located in downtown Akron, the museum is home to curated regional, national, and international art created since 1850. From contemporary painting and sculpture to 20th-century photography, the museum hosts rotating exhibits that shine a light on local and national artists.
Whether you’re planning a visit to explore current exhibitions, host a birthday party, or join a family program, our museum guide has everything you need to know for your upcoming trip.
Diverse Art Collection
The Akron Art Museum features a carefully curated mix of permanent collections, traveling exhibits, and contemporary pieces. In the permanent collections, you’ll find everything from traditional oil on canvas paintings and glazed ceramic to preserved video and film media.
Plan to spend about two hours in the museum, which will give you plenty of time to visit the various exhibits. Members receive free admission, while general admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for children 17 and under. Adults with Ohio EBT cards can also receive a discounted admission price of $3. Gallery admission is free every Thursday.
Modern Architecture
Akron Art Museum’s functional, modern design is the work of award-winning Viennese architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au. The museum blends late 19th-century brick and limestone with 21st-century soaring glass and steel. While you may be visiting for the art, don’t forget to admire the museum’s architecture as well, which offers a visually captivating experience.
Community Impact
The Akron Art Museum offers an array of programs for families, children, and older adults. Families can join one of six drop-in style Family Day events filled with creative stations, vendor tables, and a select theme. Mess Makers is a program designed for the youngest art lovers aged 0-5 and promotes investigating various materials, techniques, and textures. Afterschool Open Studio also takes place once a month and offers guided art making experiences.
Camp Creative is a summer option for children ages 5-12 who don’t want to say goodbye to art class over the summer. Akron Art Museum also has a variety of studio projects on its website that can be completed at home, while onsite offerings include interactive games and art bingo. The museum welcomes students and offers a Creative Aging Institute for older adults.
Museum Events
Akron Art Museum events bring everything from tai chi programs to book clubs to the museum. In addition to family-friendly events and annual celebrations, the museum offers unique event space rentals perfect for corporate events, parties, and private gatherings.
A dedicated events team can help bring your vision to life, whether that’s a birthday celebration, a work holiday party, or a wedding. In fact, Akron Art Museum as a wedding venue is one of the most unique in the area, offering an elegant and artistic backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
Plan Your Visit
Akron Art Museum hours are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday. The museum is KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Certified and offers sensory bags and designated quiet areas. It also has ADA-compliant entrances, wheelchairs, elevators at each level, and a drop-off zone with a ramp.
Photography and video are permitted for personal, non-commercial use only. A safe distance of 20 inches minimum must be maintained from all artwork, cases, platforms, and pedestals.
Akron Art Museum membership starts at $50 and includes unlimited free admission, free parking, and 10% discounts in the museum shop. It also includes invites to private events.
Akron Art Museum is located at 1 South High Street, Akron, OH 44308. Parking is $5 per day at the museum lot, which can be accessed from South Broadway Street or South Summit Street.
Plan your visit today and discover the creativity, inspiration, and community that make the Akron Art Museum a must-see destination in the heart of downtown Akron!